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Laura Scott, Ph.D.

I am an environmental microbiologist and epidemiologist interested in antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease, and One Health.

Professional Experience

  • 2021-Present Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK

  • 2017-2021 Various teaching and research assistantships at Tulane University and Rocky Mountain National Park. New Orleans, LA and Estes Park, CO

  • 2015-2017 Research Assistant, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Morphology and Imaging Core. New Orleans, LA

  • 2011-2014 Transmission Electron Microscopist and Histotechnologist, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Oklahoma City, OK

Education and Certifications

  • PhD: 2021 Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Environmental Health Sciences

  • MS: 2016 Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Epidemiology

  • BS: 2011 Oklahoma State University. Zoology

Honors and Awards

  • 2021: Tulane 34 Scholar

  • 2021: Hartley ScD Award for Environmental Excellence in Environmental Health

  • 2019: National Delta Omega Poster Competition Awardee

  • 2019: American Society for Microbiology Minority Travel Award

  • 2019: Delta Omega Eta Chapter Poster Competition Winner

  • 2018: Bailey Fellow for Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy

  • 2009-2011: Louis Stokes for Minority Participation in STEM (LSAMP) Scholar

Science and Products

link
John Reed (USGS scientist) holding a gull marked with a satellite transmitter at the Soldotna landfill in June 2016

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
Learn More

Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022

This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons

This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models

This dataset provides cycle threshold (Ct) values achieved during qPCR for 6 sex-linked genes, and two autosomal genes, for individuals from 60 species and across 13 orders of birds.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions

This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
By
Alaska Science Center

Antimicrobial Resistance Testing and qPCR Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Water and Gull (Larus spp.) Feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021

This data set includes information on collections of surface water and fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at two locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
By
Alaska Science Center

Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss at a Louisiana coastal salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain in 2019

This dataset provides the water content, bulk density, carbon concentrations, nitrogen concentrations, and carbon content of all fourteen cores sampled in coastal Louisiana (CRMS 0224) in October of 2019. Each sample is identified by a unique identifier that corresponds to each site by depth increment combination. The pond age range associated with each site is provided. The depth increment associ
By
Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination

The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (HPAI) spread to North America in late 2021, with detections of HPAI viruses in Alaska beginning in April 2022. HPAI viruses have since spread across the state, affecting many species of wild birds as well as domestic poultry and wild mammals. To better understand the dissemination of HPAI viruses spatiotemporally and amo
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Kimberlee Beckmen, Megan Boldenow, Evan J Buck, Bryan Daniels, Krista Dilione, Robert Gerlach, Kristina Lantz, Angela Matz, Rebecca L. Poulson, Laura Celeste Scott, Gay Sheffield, David R. Sinnett, David E. Stallknecht, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Eric B. Taylor, Alison R. Williams, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons

The environmental tenacity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the environment likely plays a role in their transmission; IAVs are able to remain infectious in aquatic habitats and may have the capacity to seed outbreaks when susceptible wild bird hosts utilize these same environments months or even seasons later. Here, we aimed to assess the persistence of low-pathogenicity IAVs from naturally infec
Authors
Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew B. Reeves, Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Laura E. Hubbard, Alinde Fojtik, Deborah L. Carter, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Alaska Science Center

Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models

The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using quantitative PC
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska

We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided evidence for th
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Laura Celeste Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan James Buck, Alison Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
By
Alaska Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing

ObjectivesA variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have analysed samples i
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

A model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss applied to a Louisiana salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain

The potential for carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands is high due to protection of carbon (C) in flooded soils. However, excessive flooding can result in the conversion of the vegetated wetland to open water. This transition results in the loss of wetland habitat in addition to the potential loss of soil carbon. Thus, in areas experiencing rapid wetland submergence, such as the Mississippi Ri
Authors
Donald R. Schoolmaster, Camille Stagg, Courtney Creamer, Claudia Laurenzano, Eric Ward, Mark Waldrop, Melissa M. Baustian, Tiong Aw, Sergio Merino, Rachel Katherine Villani, Laura Scott
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Land Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of Mexico

Science and Products

link
John Reed (USGS scientist) holding a gull marked with a satellite transmitter at the Soldotna landfill in June 2016

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds

Migratory birds, and particularly those using habitats close to human settlements, may be infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. The USGS is working with public health professionals to understand the role of birds in the maintenance and dispersal of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the USGS is investigating how antibiotic resistant bacteria in birds may relate to public and...
Learn More

Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022

This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons

This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models

This dataset provides cycle threshold (Ct) values achieved during qPCR for 6 sex-linked genes, and two autosomal genes, for individuals from 60 species and across 13 orders of birds.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions

This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
By
Alaska Science Center

Antimicrobial Resistance Testing and qPCR Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Water and Gull (Larus spp.) Feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021

This data set includes information on collections of surface water and fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at two locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
By
Alaska Science Center

Spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss at a Louisiana coastal salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain in 2019

This dataset provides the water content, bulk density, carbon concentrations, nitrogen concentrations, and carbon content of all fourteen cores sampled in coastal Louisiana (CRMS 0224) in October of 2019. Each sample is identified by a unique identifier that corresponds to each site by depth increment combination. The pond age range associated with each site is provided. The depth increment associ
By
Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Genomic characterization of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses from Alaska during 2022 provides evidence for genotype-specific trends of spatiotemporal and interspecies dissemination

The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (HPAI) spread to North America in late 2021, with detections of HPAI viruses in Alaska beginning in April 2022. HPAI viruses have since spread across the state, affecting many species of wild birds as well as domestic poultry and wild mammals. To better understand the dissemination of HPAI viruses spatiotemporally and amo
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Kimberlee Beckmen, Megan Boldenow, Evan J Buck, Bryan Daniels, Krista Dilione, Robert Gerlach, Kristina Lantz, Angela Matz, Rebecca L. Poulson, Laura Celeste Scott, Gay Sheffield, David R. Sinnett, David E. Stallknecht, Raphaela Stimmelmayr, Eric B. Taylor, Alison R. Williams, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

Infectivity of wild-bird origin Influenza A viruses in Minnesota wetlands across seasons

The environmental tenacity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the environment likely plays a role in their transmission; IAVs are able to remain infectious in aquatic habitats and may have the capacity to seed outbreaks when susceptible wild bird hosts utilize these same environments months or even seasons later. Here, we aimed to assess the persistence of low-pathogenicity IAVs from naturally infec
Authors
Rebecca L. Poulson, Andrew B. Reeves, Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Laura E. Hubbard, Alinde Fojtik, Deborah L. Carter, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Alaska Science Center

Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models

The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using quantitative PC
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska

We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided evidence for th
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Laura Celeste Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan James Buck, Alison Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
By
Alaska Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing

ObjectivesA variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have analysed samples i
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Celeste Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

A model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil carbon following coastal wetland loss applied to a Louisiana salt marsh in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain

The potential for carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands is high due to protection of carbon (C) in flooded soils. However, excessive flooding can result in the conversion of the vegetated wetland to open water. This transition results in the loss of wetland habitat in addition to the potential loss of soil carbon. Thus, in areas experiencing rapid wetland submergence, such as the Mississippi Ri
Authors
Donald R. Schoolmaster, Camille Stagg, Courtney Creamer, Claudia Laurenzano, Eric Ward, Mark Waldrop, Melissa M. Baustian, Tiong Aw, Sergio Merino, Rachel Katherine Villani, Laura Scott
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Land Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of Mexico
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